PhD studentships in Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Overview

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering was ranked first for research environment in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, with 95% of research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for its influence on society, the economy and policy. The School boasts world class facilities, with £1.4m recently invested in its 3,000m2 laboratory and one of the fastest High-Performance Computer clusters in the UK.

A key part of the School’s ethos is the extensive links with industry. Many research projects are sponsored and applied by organisations in the civil engineering, construction and transport sectors, and Loughborough graduates are highly sought after by industry and commerce world-wide.

Project detail

The School is committed to investing in the next generation of exceptional researchers, and applications are welcomed from high calibre students wishing to pursue research in the following areas:

Digital transformation of the construction sector

Civil Infrastructure Engineering

Transport

Water Engineering

Public Health Engineering and Management

Building Performance Measurement, Building Physics and Urban Energy Systems

Building Modelling and Optimization

Construction Projects and Organisation

Construction Products and Processes

Architecture

You are strongly advised to discuss your research proposal with an academic member of staff before applying. Information on writing your proposal can be found here.

Funding

The three-year studentships are intended to start by October 2019. Each provides a tax-free stipend of £14,777 a year (2018/19 rates – stipend will rise in line with the level set by the Research Council) for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate.

International students may apply for these positions; funding will cover tuition fees at the international rate in full but the student will be responsible for their own living costs (estimated at £14,500 per year).

Why you should choose us

1st in the UK for Building EngineeringThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline. Previous applicants have held degrees in civil engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, transport, geography and building services engineering. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.

Jamaica

Jamaica - the University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ

1st (GPA 3.6)

2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B

2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C

Japan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Japan

85%

80% or B or 3.0

70% or C or 2.0

Jordan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Jordan - GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3 or 3.5/5 or 75%

2.8 or 65%

Kazakhstan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Kazakhstan - GPA 5.0/percentage scale

4.5 or 90%

4 or 85%

3.5 or 80%

Kazakhstan - GPA 4.33 scale

3.9

3.7

3.2

Kazakhstan - GPA 4.0 scale

3.7

3.4

3

Kenya

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Kenya

First / 70% / A

Upper second / 60% / B

Lower second / 50% / C

Kosovo

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Kosovo

10

9

8

Kuwait

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Kuwait GPA 4.0 scale

3.6

3.0

2.8

Latvia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Latvia

9

7

6

Lebanon

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Lebanon - American

90% (3.5)

80% (3.2)

70% (2.8)

Lebanon - French

18

15

12

Liberia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Liberia - master's

4.0 or 90%

3.5 or 85%

3 or 80%

Libya

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine

85 (4.0)

80 (3.0)

75 (2.5)

Other bachelor's degree from a university

90 (4.0)

85% (3.6)

80% (3.0)

Master's degree

Master's

Master's

Master's

Lithuania

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Lithuania

9

8

7

Macau

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Macau

1st or GPA 3.7

2:1 or GPA 3.0

2:2 or GPA 2.5

Macedonia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Macedonia

10

9

8

Malawi

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

MSc Degree

75%

70%

65%

BSc Degree

-

80%

80%

Malaysia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Malaysia - classification

First Class

2.1

2.2

Malaysia - GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

Mauritius

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Mauritius

1st or 70%

2:1 or 60%

2:2 or 50%

Mexico

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Mexico

9

8

7

Morocco

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Morocco

17

15

13

Namibia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Namibia

80% or A

70% or B

60% or C

Nepal

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Nepal - master's (after 3 year bachelor degree)

90% or 3.9 GPA

80% or 3.8 GPA

70% or 3.3 GPA

Netherlands

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Netherlands

8

7

6

New Zealand

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

New Zealand

First (A/A+)

Upper second (B+/A-)

Lower second (B-/B)

Nicaragua

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Nicaragua

-

80%

70%

Nigeria

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Nigeria 7 point Scale

6

5

4

Nigeria 5 point scale

4.5

3.8

3.5

Nigeria 4 point scale

3.5

3

2.5

Norway

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Norway

A (1.5)

B (2.5)

C (3.2)

Oman

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Oman GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

Pakistan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Pakistan Public Universities (Tech or Eng) 4 Year degree only

First with distinction (75%) / 4.0

First (65%) / 3.2

Second (59%) / 2.6

Pakistan Private Universities (Tech or Eng) 4 Year degree only

First with Distinction (85%)

First (75%)

First (65%)

Pakistan master's (2 or 3 year bachelor's plus master's)

First

Second (55%)

Second

Palestine

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Palestine

A / 90% / 3.7

B+ / 85% / 3.3

B / 80% / 3.0

Panama

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Panama

91 (A)

81 (B)

71 (C)

Papua New Guinea

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Papua New Guinea

1st

2:1

2:2

Paraguay

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Paraguay

-

4

3.5

Peru

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Peru

16

14

12

Philippines

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Philippines - degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE)

Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0

Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5

Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0

Poland

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Poland

5 (Very good)

4 (Good)

3.5

Portugal

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Portugal

18

16

14

Qatar

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Qatar GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

Romania

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Romania

8.5

7.5

6.5

Russia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Russia

4.5

4.0

3.5

Rwanda

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Rwanda

-

2:1 or 16/20 or 70%

2:2 or 14/20 or 60%

Saudi Arabia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Saudi Arabia GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

Saudi Arabia GPA 5.0 scale

4.5

3.75

3.5

Senegal

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Senegal

-

14/20 or bien

12/20 or Assez Bien

Serbia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Serbia

9

8.25

7.5

Sierra Leone

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Sierra Leone - classification

-

2:1

2:2

Sierra Leone - percentage grading

-

60-69%

50-59%

Sierra Leone - letter grading

-

B+

B

Singapore

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Singapore - classification

First

Upper second

Lower second

Singapore - GPA 4.0 scale

3.7

3.0

2.7

Singapore - GPA 5.0 scale

4.5

3.5

3.0

Slovakia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Slovakia

1.5 or B

2.0 or C

2.5 or C/high D

Slovenia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Slovenia

9.5

8.5

7

South Africa

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

South Africa - classification

1st

2:1

2:2

South Africa - percentage scale

75-100%

70-74%

60-69%

South Korea

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

South Korea

4.0 / A

3.0 / B

2.5 / C+

Spain

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Spain

9.0

7.5

6.5

Spain - UCM grading

3.0

2.0

1.5

Sri Lanka

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Sri Lanka

70%

60%

55%

Sudan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Sudan (North and South)

1st or 70% or B+

2:1 or 66%

Mid 2:2 or 60% or B

Sweden

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Sweden

-

Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG

Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G

Switzerland

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Switzerland

6

5

4

Syria

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Syria - state universities

85%

75%

65%

Syria - private universities

95%

85%

75%

Taiwan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Taiwan - prestigious national universities

80%

75%

73%

Taiwan - excellent universities

83%

78%

75%

Taiwan - good universities

88%

83%

80%

Tajikistan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Tajikistan

-

4.5

4

Tanzania

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Tanzania

1st

2:1

2:2

Thailand

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Thailand GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

Trinidad and Tobago

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Trinidad and Tobago - University of the West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT

1st

2:1

2:2

Tunisia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Tunisia

15 (tres bien)

13 (bien)

11 (assez bien)

Turkey

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Turkey

3.5

2.8

2.2

Turkmenistan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Turkmenistan

-

4.5

4

Uganda

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Uganda

First

Upper second

Lower second

Ukraine

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Ukraine

5

4.5

4

United Arab Emirates

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

United Arab Emirates GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.0

2.8

United States of America

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

United States of America GPA 4.0 scale

3.5

3.2

2.8

Uruguay

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Uruguay

10/12

8/12 or MB or 90%

6.5/12 or B or 80%

Uzbekistan

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Uzbekistan

90% / 85%

80% / 75%

75% / 65%

Venezuela

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Venezuela - out of 20

-

16

14

Venezuela - out of 9

-

7

6.5

Vietnam

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Vietnam

8.0

7.0

6.0

Zambia

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Zambia - master's

-

B+ or 3.5 or 70%

-

Zimbabwe

First-class honours (70%)

Upper second-class honours (60%)

Lower second-class honours (50%)

Zimbabwe

-

65%

60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English Language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, please select either 'Civil and Building Engineering' or 'Civil and Building Engineering (Built Environment)'.
Please quote reference ABCE19.
The deadline for applications is 3 February 2019.